Collecting container for a cleaning device

Abstract

A collection container (140) is described which has a base container (146) with a filter unit (141) and with a drain opening (216) for emptying the base container (146). The collection container (140) further comprises a lid (142) designed to cover the emptying opening (216) of the base container (146) so that the lid (142) prevents dirt particles from falling out of the collection container (140), and a locking mechanism (145, 400) designed to close the lid (142) over the emptying opening (216) of the base container (146) in such a way that a user is prompted by the locking mechanism (145, 400) to turn the emptying opening (216) of the base container (146) away from the ground in order to open the lid (142).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a cleaning device, in particular a cleaning robot. Specifically, the invention relates to a collection container for a cleaning device. A cleaning device, in particular a suction device, typically has a suction nozzle with a suction opening through which contaminants or dirt, in particular dust particles, are sucked from a surface to be cleaned by means of a suction airflow. The airflow can be generated by a blower. The airflow conveys the dirt from the suction opening, via a suction channel, into a dirt collection container of the cleaning device.

[0002] For example, DE 10 2017 208 969 A1 is known from the prior art, which discloses a dust separation unit for a vacuum cleaner or robotic vacuum cleaner according to the preamble of independent claims 1 and 8, which has at least one locking unit for releasably fixing the dust separation unit to the vacuum cleaner.

[0003] To empty the collection container, the user of the cleaning device can remove it from the device and take it to a waste bin. It is possible that the collection container may open during removal and / or transport, and dirt particles may unintentionally fall out.

[0004] This document addresses the technical task of providing a collection container that is protected against unintentional opening in an efficient and reliable manner.

[0005] The problem is solved in each case by the subject matter of the individual independent patent claims. Advantageous embodiments are defined in particular in the dependent patent claims, described in the following description, or illustrated in the accompanying drawing.

[0006] According to one aspect, a collection container is described that is designed to be inserted into a cleaning device, in particular a cleaning robot, and to collect dirt particles during the cleaning operation of the cleaning device. The cleaning device may, for example, have a recess into which the collection container can be inserted.

[0007] The collection container comprises a base container with a filter unit. The filter unit can be designed to retain dirt particles from the suction airflow of the cleaning device in the base container. The blower of the cleaning device (for generating the suction airflow) can be arranged downstream of the filter unit in the direction of airflow. The base container can be, for example, cuboid or cylindrical.

[0008] The main container also features a drain opening for emptying. The suction airflow, carrying the dirt particles, can enter the collection container through this drain opening. The suction airflow is then drawn through the filter unit, which retains the dirt particles in the main container of the collection container.

[0009] The collection container also includes a lid designed to cover the emptying opening of the base container, thus preventing dirt particles from falling out of the collection container. The lid may optionally be pivotally mounted on the base container via a pivot axis. The lid may have a suction channel opening (optionally closable by a flap) for receiving the suction airflow containing the dirt particles.

[0010] The discharge opening of the main container can be arranged along the longitudinal axis of the collection container opposite the base of the main container. In other words, the discharge opening and the base of the main container can be located on opposite sides of the main container with respect to the longitudinal axis. The collection container can be configured to be positioned within the cleaning device such that, during operation, its longitudinal axis is (predominantly and / or substantially) parallel to the surface being cleaned. Thus, a (predominantly and / or substantially) horizontal arrangement of the collection container within the cleaning device is possible.For example, the longitudinal axis of the collection container may, during the cleaning operation of the cleaning device, form an angle with the surface being cleaned by the cleaning device that is less than 10°, preferably less than 5°. It should be noted in general that when this document describes two axes and / or directions as being (essentially) parallel, this preferably means that the two axes and / or directions form an angle with each other that is less than 10°, preferably less than 5°.

[0011] The collection container further comprises a locking mechanism designed to close the lid over the emptying opening of the base container in such a way that the locking mechanism causes, and in particular forces, a user to turn the emptying opening of the base container away from the ground in order to open the lid. Alternatively or additionally, the locking mechanism may be designed to cause, and in particular force, a user to orient the collection container in such a way that the longitudinal axis of the collection container forms a certain angle with the ground, e.g., an angle of 45° or more, in particular 60° or more.

[0012] This reliably prevents dirt particles from unintentionally falling out of the collection container when the lid is opened.

[0013] The locking mechanism is designed such that it is automatically locked in the closed position, holding the lid securely over the emptying opening of the base container when the emptying opening is facing the ground. Furthermore, the locking mechanism is designed so that it is automatically open, allowing the lid to be moved (e.g., opened or removed) away from the emptying opening of the base container by a user when the emptying opening is facing away from the ground.

[0014] The locking mechanism can be designed in particular such that the locking mechanism automatically changes from the open state to the closed state when the collection container is moved from an orientation in which the emptying opening is turned away from the ground to an orientation in which the emptying opening is turned towards the ground and / or is no longer turned away from the ground; and / or that the locking mechanism automatically changes from the closed state to the open state when the collection container is moved from an orientation in which the emptying opening is turned towards the ground and / or is not turned away from the ground to an orientation in which the emptying opening is turned away from the ground.

[0015] In a specific example, the locking mechanism can be designed such that it is (automatically) in the closed state (or transitions to the closed state) when its longitudinal axis forms an angle with the ground that is equal to or less than a first angular threshold value. Alternatively or additionally, the locking mechanism can be designed such that it is (automatically) in the open state (or transitions to the open state) when its longitudinal axis forms an angle with the ground that is equal to or greater than a second angular threshold value. The first angular threshold value can be equal to or less than the second angular threshold value. For example, the first angular threshold value can be 45° or less, in particular 25° or less.

[0016] Typically, the first and second angle thresholds are the same. By using a second angle threshold that is larger than the first, hysteresis can be provided for the transition between the closed and open states, further increasing the convenience of the collection container.

[0017] The locking mechanism can be located (along the vertical axis of the collection container) on the opposite side of the collection container from the side where the pivot axis of the lid is located.

[0018] A locking mechanism can thus be provided that automatically locks or unlocks the lid of the collection container depending on its orientation. Specifically, the lid's locking mechanism can be automatically engaged or remain locked when the emptying opening is facing downwards (or horizontally, if applicable). Furthermore, the lid's locking mechanism can be automatically unlocked when the emptying opening is angled sufficiently upwards (e.g., 45° or more). This prevents the collection container from opening unintentionally in a particularly convenient and reliable manner.

[0019] The locking mechanism comprises a guide element attached to the base container for guiding a movable bolt. Furthermore, the locking mechanism comprises a retaining element (e.g., designed as a hook) attached to the lid, which is configured to receive the bolt, movably mounted in the guide element, in order to close the locking mechanism. The bolt may comprise, in particular: a ball; a pin or bolt; and / or a movable element with a triangular end facing the retaining element.

[0020] The bolt can be movably mounted in the guide element in such a way that it is moved solely by the force of gravity. In particular, the bolt (given a specific orientation of the collection container) can be moved by gravity alone from the first end position of the guide element to the second end position, so that the locking mechanism (automatically) transitions from the closed to the open state. Furthermore, (given a further specific orientation of the collection container) the bolt can be moved by gravity alone from the second end position of the guide element back to the first end position, so that the locking mechanism transitions from the open to the closed state.

[0021] Such a locking mechanism can prevent the collection container from opening unintentionally in a particularly efficient and reliable manner.

[0022] As explained above, the collection container can have a longitudinal axis that runs (essentially) perpendicular to the discharge opening of the base container. The guide element can be configured to move the latch along a movement axis that is inclined to the longitudinal axis. By arranging the guide element at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis, the angle (between the longitudinal axis and the base) at which the locking mechanism automatically transitions from the closed to the open state, or vice versa, can be efficiently and precisely adjusted. In particular, the first and / or second angle threshold values ​​can be set and / or defined in this way.

[0023] The angle between the longitudinal axis and the axis of motion can correspond, for example, to the first and / or the second angle threshold value. The angle between the longitudinal axis and the axis of motion can be, for example, 45° or more, and in particular 60° or more.

[0024] In an alternative design, the locking mechanism, together with the lid, forms a lever-lock closure for the base container. The contact point between the edge of the emptying opening and the lid can be made elastic, for example, with a sealing ring. The lever-lock closure is designed so that a user can open the base container (intuitively and comfortably) by holding it with (exactly or at least) one hand with the emptying opening facing upwards and pressing the thumb of the same hand onto the hinge of the lever-lock. This reliably prevents the collection container from being opened unintentionally with the emptying opening facing downwards.

[0025] According to another aspect, a cleaning device, in particular a cleaning robot, is described. The cleaning device comprises a cleaning unit configured to clean a surface, e.g., a surface on which the cleaning device is located and / or on which the cleaning device moves. The cleaning device further comprises the collection container described in this document for receiving dirt particles. The cleaning device also includes a suction channel that connects the cleaning unit to the collection container via a fluid path, and a blower configured to create a suction airflow through the cleaning unit and through the suction channel to the collection container.

[0026] It should be noted that any aspects of the collection container and / or cleaning device described in this document can be combined with one another in a variety of ways and / or in any way. In particular, the features of the claims can be combined with one another in a variety of ways and / or in any way.

[0027] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawing. These show: Figures 1a and 1b an exemplary cleaning robot as an example of a cleaning and / or suction device in different perspective views; Figure 1c Exemplary components of a cleaning device; Figures 1d and 1e an example of removing the collection container from the cleaning robot; Figures 2a to 2d an exemplary collection container with a locking mechanism; Figures 3a to 3can exemplary collection container with an additional locking mechanism; and Figures 4a to 4c an exemplary collection container with an additional locking mechanism.

[0028] As stated at the outset, this document deals with preventing the unintentional spillage of dirt from a collection container in an efficient and reliable manner. In this context, we demonstrate Fig. 1a the top 121 and Fig. 1b The underside 122 of a cleaning robot 100 serves as an example of a cleaning device, in particular as an example of a suction device. The aspects described specifically for a cleaning robot apply generally to a cleaning device.

[0029] The underside 122 of the cleaning robot 100 faces the floor or area to be cleaned, such as a room, during vacuuming operation. The underside 122 of the cleaning robot 100 typically has one or more drive units 101 (with one or more drive wheels) that allow the cleaning robot 100 to move independently to clean different areas of a floor. Furthermore, the cleaning robot 100 may have one or more guide and / or support elements 104 (e.g., non-driven wheels) that enable stable movement of the cleaning robot 100 across the floor to be cleaned. In addition, a cleaning robot 100 typically includes one or more cleaning units 106 (in particular, suction nozzles) designed to clean the floor beneath the cleaning robot 100.

[0030] A cleaning unit 106 (in particular a suction nozzle) can have a brush roller 102 configured to rotate about an axis of rotation, the axis of rotation typically being arranged (essentially) parallel to the underside 122 of the cleaning robot 100. The brush roller 102 can be used to mechanically loosen dust and / or contaminants from the floor to be cleaned, so that the dust and / or contaminants can be sucked into the suction opening 107 of the cleaning unit 106 with increased reliability.

[0031] A user interface can be arranged on the top surface 121 of the cleaning robot 100, allowing a user of the cleaning robot 100 to make control inputs. Furthermore, the cleaning robot 100 can include a bumper 105 on a side wall 123 (e.g., on a side wall 123 in the front area of ​​the cleaning robot 100). A collision sensor can be arranged on the bumper 105, configured to acquire sensor data indicating whether the cleaning robot 100 has collided with an obstacle in its direction of movement 120. Triggering the collision sensor (due to the deflection of the bumper 105) by an obstacle can, for example, cause the cleaning robot 100 to rotate about its vertical axis, which is perpendicular to the floor, thereby changing its direction of movement 120 to avoid the obstacle.

[0032] Furthermore, a cleaning robot 100 typically has one or more environmental sensors 110 (see Fig. 1c), which are configured to acquire environmental and / or sensor data relating to the environment of the cleaning robot 100. The one or more environmental sensors 110 may include: one or more cameras, one or more ultrasonic sensors, one or more tactile and / or optical distance sensors, one or more acoustic sensors, one or more temperature sensors, one or more lidar and / or radar sensors, etc. A control unit 130 of the cleaning robot 100 may be configured to determine digital map information relating to the cleaning area based on the environmental data and, if necessary, to store it on a storage unit 111 of the cleaning robot 100. The cleaning robot 100 can use the digital map information to orient itself independently within the cleaning area (e.g., within a room) and / or to determine a route for cleaning the cleaning area.

[0033] Fig. 1cFigure 1 shows a Cartesian coordinate system with a longitudinal axis (i.e., an x-axis), a transverse axis (i.e., a y-axis), and a vertical axis (i.e., a z-axis). The direction of movement 120 of the cleaning device 100 typically corresponds to the longitudinal axis. The axis of rotation of the brush roller 102 typically runs along the transverse axis.

[0034] The cleaning device 100 typically has a collection container 140, which can be inserted into or removed from a recess in the cleaning device 100. Figures 1d and 1e Figure 1 illustrates how the collection container 140 can be removed from the recess of the cleaning device 100.

[0035] The collection container 140 can have a base container 146, which can be covered with a lid 142. The lid 142 can be pivotally mounted on the base container 146, for example, via a hinge and / or a pivot axis 144. The base container 146 can have a filter unit 141 on one of its walls, through which suction air is drawn. The filter unit 141 can be designed to filter out dirt particles from the suction air that have been drawn into the collection container 140 by the cleaning device 100 via the suction nozzle 107, so that the dirt particles remain in the collection container 140.

[0036] A suction channel opening 143 can be arranged on the lid 142 of the collection container 140, through which the suction air (containing the dirt particles) enters the collection container 140. A flap can be provided at the suction channel opening 143, which can be used to close the suction channel opening 143 (when the cleaning device 100 is not operating in cleaning mode). The flap can be designed to open automatically (e.g., due to the suction airflow) when the cleaning device 100 is operating in cleaning mode.

[0037] It can happen that the user of the cleaning device 100 holds the collection container 140 with the lid 142 facing downwards, e.g., when removing the collection container 140 from the cleaning device 100 and / or when transporting the collection container 140 to a waste bin. This can cause the lid 142 to open, unintentionally releasing dirt particles from the collection container 140.

[0038] The collection container 140 described in this document has a locking mechanism 145 that prevents the lid 142 from being opened, particularly when the lid 142 is held in the downward position. The locking mechanism 145 can, for example, be located on the opposite side of the collection container 140 from the hinge or pivot axis 144 of the lid 142.

[0039] The locking mechanism 145 can be configured such that it is in the closed position and / or automatically moves into the closed position when the collection container 140 is oriented in such a way that the lid 142 could open on its own due to gravity. Furthermore, the locking mechanism 145 can be configured such that it is in the open position and / or automatically moves into the open position when the collection container 140 is oriented in such a way that the lid 142 cannot open on its own due to gravity and / or that there is no risk of dirt particles falling out of the collection container 140.

[0040] In the Figures 2a to 2dFigure 1 is a first example of a closure mechanism 145, in particular a locking mechanism, which can be automatically transferred (solely by gravity) from the closed state to the open state and vice versa. The closure mechanism 145 has a guide element 201, which is attached, for example, to the base container 146. The guide element 201 is designed to engage a bolt 203, in this example from Figs. 2a to 2d a ball. Furthermore, the locking mechanism 145 has a retaining element 202, which is attached, for example, to the cover 142. The retaining element 202 can be designed to receive the bolt 203 in a recess of the retaining element 202 in order to bring the locking mechanism 145 into the closed state.

[0041] The bolt 203 can be arranged in the guide element 201 in such a way that the bolt 203 can be moved (solely) towards the retaining element 202 by the action of gravity (in order to bring the locking mechanism 145 into the closed state) or away from the retaining element 202 (in order to bring the locking mechanism 145 into the open state).

[0042] The collection container 140 can have a longitudinal axis extending from the base of the main container 146 to the lid 142 of the collection container 140, in particular to the discharge opening 216 of the main container 146. The hinge of the collection container 140 can be configured to pivot the lid 142 about a pivot axis 144 that runs (essentially) parallel to the transverse axis of the collection container 140. The vertical axis of the collection container 140 can extend from the pivot axis 144 to the closure mechanism 145 (as shown by way of example in Fig. 2a(shown).

[0043] Fig. 2a Figure 1 shows the collection container 140 in a horizontal orientation, with the transverse and longitudinal axes (essentially) aligned horizontally. The guide element 201 and the latch 203 are designed such that, in this position of the collection container 140, the latch 203 engages in the retaining element 202, so that the locking mechanism 145 is in the closed position.

[0044] From the Figures 2b and 2c It is evident that the latch 203 automatically moves away from the retaining element 202 (due to gravity) and thereby opens the locking mechanism 145 when the collection container 140 is rotated about its transverse axis so that the lid 142 is located above the base container 146. Conversely, the latch 203 automatically moves back towards the retaining element 202 and thereby closes the locking mechanism 145 when the collection container 140 rotates back about its transverse axis into the position shown in the original text. Fig. 2a The horizontal position shown is rotated.

[0045] Fig. 2d Illustrates details of the ball-shaped bolt 203, the guide element 201 for the ball and the retaining element 202 for receiving the ball for locking the cover 142.

[0046] In the Figures 3a to 3c An example of a locking mechanism 145 is described in which a movable bolt is used as a movable latch 203.

[0047] Through the in the Figures 2 and 3 The illustrated locking mechanisms 145 can automatically ensure that the lid 142 of the collection container 140 can only be opened if the lid 142 is positioned further up in relation to the base container 146.

[0048] In the Figures 4a to 4cA collection container 140 is shown, in which a toggle closure mechanism 400 is used to fasten the lid 142 to the base body 146. The toggle closure 400 can be designed such that the collection container 140 is inserted into the Fig. 4b The depicted vertical orientation must, or at least should, be adjusted to allow the user to open the lever-lock mechanism 400 in the usual way (as with a bottle). This ensures that the user can only open the collection container 140 when the lid 142 is positioned above the base body 146.

[0049] This document describes measures to achieve an "automatic" tilting of the dust box 140 (i.e., the collection container) by the user through specific handling steps. The user is forced, or at least prompted, to tilt the dust box 140 to move the dust and dirt contained within it away from the front flap 142 (i.e., the lid) and towards the rear wall of the base container 146 (i.e., the base of the base container 146). This tilting motion allows the dust to detach more easily from the filter unit 141. Furthermore, it ensures that the dirt (especially the dust) is no longer located in the area of ​​the front flap 142 and therefore cannot fall out of the dust box 140 when the user opens the front flap 142.

[0050] As previously explained, the dustbin 140 can be pulled upwards out of the cleaning robot 100. The dustbin 140 has a front flap 142 that allows for complete emptying of its contents.

[0051] The dust box 140 can be removed from the cleaning robot 100 in its standard position, i.e., (essentially) horizontal (as shown in the diagram). Fig. 2a (shown). As long as the front flap 142 is closed, no dust can fall out of the dust box 140.

[0052] The dust box 140 has a locking mechanism 145 for the front flap 142. A movable latch 203 is located in an elongated channel 201 (i.e., in the guide element) and is pulled downwards by gravity. In the lowered position, this latch locks the front flap 142.

[0053] The locking bar 203 can be an elongated, cuboid, and / or cylindrical pin or bolt. Alternatively, the locking bar 203 can be in the shape of a sphere. The sphere 203 rolls downwards by gravity in the elongated shaft 201 and blocks a hook 202 (i.e., the retaining element) that is attached to the front flap 142. As long as the sphere is in its lowered position, the front flap 142 cannot be swung open.

[0054] If the dust box 140 is tilted (around the transverse axis), the ball (or the bar 203) rolls to the second end position in the shaft 201 from a certain angle.

[0055] Once this position is reached, the front flap 142 is unlocked. The hook 202 is then free and the front flap 142 can be swung open. Because the dust box 140 has been tilted, dirt and dust have slid to the rear of the dust box 140, and therefore no dust can fall out of the box 140. The dust box 140 can then be emptied.

[0056] With a suitable implementation of the locking mechanism 145, the front flap 142 of the dust box 140 can be closed when the dust box 140 is in a horizontal position. For this purpose, the hook 202 on the front flap 142 and the latch 203 on the dust box 140 (e.g., the round ball) can be shaped such that the closing front flap 142 can push the latch 203 upwards. As soon as the front flap 142 is fully closed, the latch 203 slides back into its initial position and locks the front flap 142. This makes handling the dust box 140 even more convenient for the user.

[0057] Other shapes for the 203 locking bars are possible, each of which can be adapted to the design of the 140 dust box. In the Figures 3a to 3c Figure 203 shows an example with a triangular bar.

[0058] The locking mechanism 145 can be designed such that the front flap 142 is locked when the dust box 140 is held almost horizontally. If the dust box 140 is tilted beyond a certain angle (about its transverse axis), the latch 203 slides into its second end position and releases the hook 202 on the front flap 142, which can then be opened by the user. The locking mechanism forces the user to stand the dust box 140 upright.

[0059] In the Figures 4a to 4c The front flap 142 is attached to the dust box 140 by means of a lever locking mechanism 400. In its resting position, the levers of the lever locking mechanism 400 pull the front flap 142 with a certain preload onto the opening 216 in the base container 146 of the dust box 140. The levers can be made of sheet metal and thus lie flat against the dust box 140 in a space-saving manner.

[0060] Due to the preload provided by the brackets, and due to the increased tension at the saddle point of the bracket locking mechanism 400 during opening, the dust box 140 preferably has a flexible seal between the base container 146 and the front flap 142.

[0061] To open the front flap 142, the user will most likely hold the dust box 140 almost vertically (so that dust and dirt fall completely onto the base of the dust box 140) and then push the lower arms of the locking mechanism 400 away from themselves. Once the locking mechanism 400's engagement point is overcome, the tension on the front flap 142 decreases, and the front flap 142 rests loosely. The user can now push the front flap 142 away and empty the dust box 140. Because the front flap 142 is moved completely to the side and has no direct connection to the base container 146 of the dust box 140, the front flap 142 is particularly well protected from contamination.

[0062] By tilting the dust box 140 as described, dust and dirt are moved to the rear, i.e., towards the base, of the dust box 140, thus reliably preventing accidental and / or unintentional falling out when the front flap 142 is opened. Tilting the dust box 140 also provides an additional cleaning effect for the filter unit 141 (especially with regard to relatively coarse dirt). The user is guided by the mechanisms 145 and 400 described in this document to ensure reliable tilting of the dust box 140.

[0063] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown. In particular, it should be noted that the description and the figures are intended only to illustrate the principle of the collection container and / or the cleaning device described in this document. Reference symbol list

[0064] 100 Cleaning device (cleaning robot) 101 Drive unit 102 Brush roller 104 Guide and / or support element 105 Bumper 106 Cleaning unit / Suction nozzle 107 Suction mouth 110 Environmental sensor 111 Storage unit 120 Direction of movement / Longitudinal direction 121 Top 122 Bottom 123 Side wall 130 Control unit 140 Collection container 141 Filter unit 142 Cover 143 Suction channel opening 144 Joint 145 Locking mechanism 146 Base container 201 Guide element 202 Retaining element 203 Latch 216 Emptying opening (basic container) 400 Closure mechanism (tab closure mechanism)

Claims

1. Collecting container (140), which is embodied to be inserted into a cleaning apparatus (100) and to receive dirt particles during a cleaning operation of the cleaning apparatus (100), wherein the collecting container (140) comprises - a base container (146) with a filter unit (141); wherein the filter unit (141) is embodied to retain dirt particles from a suction air flow of the cleaning apparatus (100) in the base container (146); wherein the base container (146) has an emptying opening (216) for emptying the base container (146); - a lid (142), which is embodied to cover the emptying opening (216) of the base container (146), so that dirt particles are prevented from falling out from the collecting container (140) by the lid (142); characterised in that the collecting container comprises a closure mechanism (145, 400), which is embodied to close off the lid (142) via the emptying opening (216) of the base container (146) in such a manner that a user is prompted by the closure mechanism (145, 400) to turn the emptying opening (216) of the base container (146) away from the ground to open the lid (142); wherein the closure mechanism (145) is embodied in such a manner that - the closure mechanism (145) is in a closed state, meaning that the lid (142) is held over the emptying opening (216) of the base container (146), when the emptying opening (216) is not turned away from the ground; and - the closure mechanism (145) is in an open state, meaning that the lid (142) can be moved away from the emptying opening (216) of the base container (146) by a user, when the emptying opening (216) is turned away from the ground; and wherein the closure mechanism (145) comprises - a guide element (201) fastened to the base container (146) for guiding a moveable latch (203); and - a holding element (202) fastened to the lid (142), which is embodied to receive the latch (203) that is mounted such that it can move in the guide element (201), in order to close the closure mechanism (145).

2. Collecting container (140) according to claim 1, wherein - the emptying opening (216) is arranged along a longitudinal axis of the collecting container (140) opposite a base surface of the base container (146); and - the closure mechanism (145, 400) is embodied to prompt a user to orient the collecting container (140) to open the lid (142) in such a manner that the longitudinal axis of the collecting container (140) has an angle of 45° or more, in particular of 60° or more, compared to the ground.

3. Collecting container (140) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the closure mechanism (145) is embodied in such a manner that - the closure mechanism (145) automatically transitions from the open state into the closed state, when the collecting container (140) is transferred from an orientation in which the emptying opening (216) is turned away from the ground into an orientation in which the emptying opening (216) is turned towards the ground; and / or - the closure mechanism (145) automatically transitions from the closed state into the open state, when the collecting container (140) is transferred from an orientation in which the emptying opening (216) is not turned away from the ground into an orientation in which the emptying opening (216) is turned away from the ground.

4. Collecting container (140) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein - the collecting container (140) has a longitudinal axis, which runs substantially perpendicularly to the emptying opening (216) of the base container (146); - the closure mechanism (145) is embodied in such a manner that the closure mechanism (145) is in the closed state when the longitudinal axis has an angle to the ground that has the same value as, or a lower value than, a first angle threshold value; - the closure mechanism (145) is embodied in such a manner that the closure mechanism (145) is in the open state when the longitudinal axis has an angle to the ground that has the same value as, or a greater value than, a second angle threshold value; - the first angle threshold value is in particular equal to or less than the second angle threshold value; and - the first angle threshold value amounts in particular to 45° or more.

5. Collecting container (140) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the latch (203) is mounted such that it can move in the guide element (201) in such a manner that the latch (203) is solely moved by the influence of gravity on the latch (203), in particular - is solely moved by the gravity from a first end position of the guide element (201) up to a second end position of the guide element (201), so that the closure mechanism (145) transitions from the closed state into the open state; and - is solely moved by the gravity from the second end position of the guide element (201) up to the first end position of the guide element (201), so that the closure mechanism (145) transitions from the open state into the closed state.

6. Collecting container (140) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the latch (203) comprises - a ball; - a pin or bolt; and / or - a moveable element with a triangular end, which is turned towards the holding element (202).

7. Collecting container (140) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein - the collecting container (140) has a longitudinal axis, which runs perpendicularly to the emptying opening (216) of the base container (146); - the guide element (201) is embodied to move the latch (203) along a movement axis that is arranged obliquely in relation to the longitudinal axis; and - an angle between the longitudinal axis and the movement axis in particular amounts to 45° or more, in particular 60° or more.

8. Collecting container (140), which is embodied to be inserted into a cleaning apparatus (100) and to receive dirt particles during a cleaning operation of the cleaning apparatus (100); wherein the collecting container (140) comprises - a base container (146) with a filter unit (141); wherein the filter unit (141) is embodied to retain dirt particles from a suction air flow of the cleaning apparatus (100) in the base container (146); wherein the base container (146) has an emptying opening (216) for emptying the base container (146); - a lid (142), which is embodied to cover the emptying opening (216) of the base container (146), so that dirt particles are prevented from falling out from the collecting container (140) by the lid (142); characterised in that the collecting container comprises a closure mechanism (145, 400), which is embodied to close off the lid (142) via the emptying opening (216) of the base container (146) in such a manner that a user is prompted by the closure mechanism (145, 400) to turn the emptying opening (216) of the base container (146) away from the ground to open the lid (142); wherein the closure mechanism (400) together with the lid (142) embodies a flip-top closure of the base container (146); and wherein the flip-top closure is embodied in such a manner that a user can open the flip-top closure by holding the base container (146) with one hand with the emptying opening (216) at the top and by pressing with the thumb of the same hand on a hinge of the flip-top closure.

9. Collecting container (140) according to claim 8, wherein a contact point between an edge of the emptying opening (216) and the lid (142) is embodied as being elastic.

10. Collecting container (140) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein - the emptying opening (216) is arranged along a longitudinal axis of the collecting container (140) opposite a base surface of the base container (146); and - the closure mechanism (145, 400) is embodied to be arranged in the cleaning apparatus (100) in such a manner that the longitudinal axis of the collecting container (140), during the cleaning operation of the cleaning apparatus (100), is arranged substantially in parallel with the surface that is being cleaned by the cleaning apparatus (100).

11. Collecting container (140) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the lid (142) has a suction channel opening (143) for receiving the suction air flow with the dirt particles.

12. Cleaning apparatus (100) for cleaning a surface; wherein the cleaning apparatus (100) comprises - a collecting container (140) for receiving dirt particles, which is embodied according to one of the preceding claims; - a cleaning unit (106), which is embodied to be moved over the surface to be cleaned; - a suction channel, which connects the cleaning unit (106) to the collecting container (140) in a fluid-conducting manner; and - a fan, which is embodied to cause a suction air flow through the cleaning unit (106) and through the suction channel up to the collecting container (140).

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